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Winter can be harsh on your skin. If you’re battling dryness and flakiness no matter how many layers of moisturizer you apply, it’s time to rethink your approach to hydration.

True hydration starts from within and works its way out—and it all begins with the right skincare habits and lifestyle changes.

Here are my favorite hydrating skincare ideas to keep your skin glowing and nourished all season long. These simple, effective tips will help you tackle winter skin woes and embrace a radiant, hydrated complexion.

1. Filter and Remineralize Your Water

Hydration starts from the inside out, and the quality of your water matters more than you think. Tap water often contains impurities that can disrupt your body’s natural balance, so here’s how to upgrade your hydration:

Filter it: Use a high-quality water filter to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Remineralize it: Add a pinch of Himalayan salt or trace mineral drops to replenish lost minerals and improve water absorption.

This simple tweak can make a noticeable difference in how hydrated your skin looks and feels.

Hydration Essentials: We switched from our longtime Berkey water filter to a Clearly Filtered pitcher last year, and it’s been a fantastic upgrade. It’s more affordable, easier to maintain, and perfectly portable for road trips. The subscription service makes filter replacements hassle-free, arriving every quarter.

For electrolytes, Buoy mineral drops are our favorite. They’re easy to use, taste great (no bitterness!), and come in a leak-proof bottle. Unlike Trace Minerals, which we found messy and overly bitter, Buoy is convenient and effective—a true hydration essential!

2. Mineral-Rich Beverages to Boost Hydration

Drinking plain water is essential, but adding mineral-rich beverages to your daily routine can supercharge your hydration. Here are a few delicious options to try:

Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and minerals like magnesium and potassium, bone broth supports skin elasticity and hydration.
Yolky Drinks: Originally shared by Noelle Kovary on Instagram, yolky drinks are a simple mix of whipped raw egg yolks and sugar for a custard-like base. You can customize them with your milk of choice and optional add-ins like collagen or bee pollen for extra minerals.
Herbal Teas: Soothe your skin and your senses with chamomile, rooibos, or nettle teas loaded with skin-friendly nutrients.
Coconut Water: Nature’s electrolyte drink is perfect for hydrating your body and your skin.

Recipe: Yolky Bone Broth Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 raw egg yolk
1 tablespoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1/4 cup chicken bone broth (homemade or store-bought)
3/4 cup raw milk (or milk of choice)
1 tablespoon cacao powder
Optional: collagen powder or bee pollen

Instructions:

In the mug you plan to drink from, whisk the egg yolk and sugar together until light, fluffy, and custard-like.
Heat the bone broth and milk in a small saucepan until warm.
Whisk in cacao powder and optional collagen until fully dissolved.
Slowly pour the warm liquid into the yolk mixture while whisking continuously. Thanks to the whipped egg yolk and sugar, it won’t curdle.
Sprinkle with bee pollen if desired, and enjoy this nourishing, mineral-packed drink.

3. Exfoliate Before You Hydrate

You can’t hydrate dead skin! If your skincare routine doesn’t include exfoliation, you might be missing out on the full benefits of your moisturizing products. Exfoliating removes the layer of dry, flaky cells that can block hydration from penetrating your skin.

My go-to exfoliant is I Am Polished by Crunchi, and here’s why I love it:

Gentle yet effective: Perfect for all skin types, it smooths your skin without irritation.
Non-toxic ingredients: Free from harmful chemicals, so you can feel good about what you’re using.
Hydrating formula: Leaves your skin soft and prepped for maximum moisture absorption.

How to use it:

Make sure your face is clean.
Lightly steam your face for a few minutes to soften the skin (optional but highly effective).
Pat your face dry.
Apply a quarter-sized amount of I Am Polished to dry skin and gently buff all over your face.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to act as a mask.
Hop in the shower and rinse it off for refreshed, glowing skin.

Steaming beforehand softens your skin, allowing the exfoliant to remove dead skin more effectively. Since incorporating this process, I’ve noticed my moisturizers absorb better and my skin feels smoother than ever.

4. Choose Safe, Non-Toxic Moisturizers and Oils

After exfoliating, your skin is ready to soak up hydration, but choosing the right products is key. Many skincare products contain harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin or disrupt your health. Here’s what to avoid:

Synthetic fragrances: These can cause irritation and are often linked to hormone disruption.
Parabens: Commonly used as preservatives, parabens may interfere with hormone function.
Mineral oil: This petroleum-based ingredient can clog pores and hinder skin’s natural functions.

Instead, opt for safe, non-toxic options that nourish your skin without compromising your health. My favorites are from Crunchi:

5. Create a Cozy Simmer Pot

Winter air can be dry and uncomfortable, but a simmer pot is a natural, budget-friendly way to add moisture to your home while creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. As the ingredients simmer, they release a gentle steam that can help hydrate the air.

Easy Cozy Simmer Pot Recipe

Ingredients:

1 festive tea bag (like chai or spiced apple)

1 sliced orange

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups water

Instructions:

Add all the ingredients to a small pot and cover with water.
Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
Let it simmer, adding more water as needed to keep it from drying out.

This simple recipe not only helps hydrate the air but also fills your home with a warm, comforting scent. The addition of a festive tea bag and vanilla adds an extra cozy touch, perfect for winter days when you want to create a welcoming atmosphere!

6. Prioritize Sleep and Manage Stress

Hydration isn’t just about skincare—it’s a whole-body experience. When you’re stressed or not getting enough sleep, it shows in your skin. To keep your glow going, take time to recharge both physically and mentally:

Get your beauty sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate.
De-stress your way: Whether it’s yoga, journaling, or a quiet cup of tea, find activities that calm your mind and body.
Bedtime hydration boost: Drink a glass of water with minerals before bed to keep your body hydrated overnight.

Small habits like these can make a big difference in how refreshed and radiant your skin looks.

7. Stay Consistent

Good hydration habits are a marathon, not a sprint. By weaving these ideas into your daily routine, you’ll create a foundation for healthy, glowing skin that lasts. Whether it’s sipping on mineral-rich drinks, exfoliating regularly, or simply adding a cozy simmer pot to your home, consistency is what truly delivers results.

Remember: every small step counts. Stick with it, and your skin will reward you with radiance and resilience all season long.

Hydrating your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. From enjoying mineral-rich drinks to pampering your skin with non-toxic products, these simple steps can help you beat winter dryness and bring out your natural glow.

Think of it as a little self-care ritual—one that keeps your skin happy and you feeling radiant. Whether it’s the soothing steam of a simmer pot or the luxurious feel of a clean facial oil, every step makes a difference.

Consistency is key, so start with what feels achievable and build from there. Your skin will thank you! Hugs